9 of the Best Study Abroad Programs in Germany

Learn allll about the “who’s who” of Germany study abroad programs. Germany is known for its beer, sausages, and universities. So, you would be mad to miss out on an opportunity to study abroad in Germany and be able to indulge in all three. It doesn’t matter how long you have available, or your language ability, there will be a German study abroad option suitable for you. German education is internationally recognised, meaning that not only will you be having a great time studying in Germany, you will also be bolstering your CV.

Anyone who’s anyone wants to participate in Germany study abroad programs

However, a summer or semester abroad in Germany won’t all be about studying, weekends can be spent hiking through the Black Forest, zipping down empty ski slopes, or discovering enchanted castles in the countryside. While your week can be spent grabbing a drink with your new German friends, while you discuss the merits of the different beers you are sampling.

Grab a slice of Black Forest cake and read more to discover how to you could be studying in Germany. Here are traveler favorites when it comes to study abroad programs in Germany:

The best programs for study abroad in Germany this year

Editor’s note: This information on study abroad programs in Germany was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. Boston University: Dresden—10.0 rating

“Amazing experience. Definitely the best decision I've made. I learned a lot about myself and my ability to handle any situation. I also got to meet amazing people. I ABSOLUTELY suggest it.”—Read more reviews of Boston University Study Abroad here

Where? Dresden
When? Full academic year, Spring, Fall
Why? Base yourself at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany to immerse yourself in German culture and language. Dresden, is one of the most diverse cities to study abroad in Germany has a thriving cultural scene and is a gateway to explore Eastern Europe.
More info on BUSA

2. AIFS Study Abroad in Berlin—9.5 rating

“This was the first of two study abroad programs I did with AIFS and the fact I live in Berlin now is a direct result of my experience during this program”—Read more reviews of AIFS here

Where? Berlin
When? Full academic year, Spring, Fall, Summer
Why? If you are going to study Germany history or economics, then there is no better place than where it all happened. Not only will you get first hand experience of your subject, this study abroad program in Germany will immerse you in culture, have you salivating over its food, and take you off for adventures into Germany itself. Pro tip: This is a great option if you’re seeking summer abroad programs in Germany!
More info on how to study in Berlin

3. IES Abroad Freiburg—9.21 rating

“Let me start off by saying I wish I could have stayed longer. There is so much to get involved with that I found it hard to do it all!... Overall, Freiburg is a great city to experience. It is close to France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria, so it makes traveling quite practical. IES is a wonderful and supportive program that aided me in this rare experience, and I would definitely recommend it for study abroad!”— Read more reviews of IES Abroad here

Where? Freiberg
When? Full academic year, Spring, Fall
Why? If you want a study abroad program in Germany that doesn't just focus on the academics then look towards Freiburg. Immersed with German students your German will quickly progress, more social activities than evenings, and you will still have a prestigious education. Your time studying in Germany will fly by, but you will leave with a full CV.
More info on IES here

4. API at Freie Universität Berlin—9.0 rating

“I absolutely loved my time in Berlin with API! There was a good balance between independence and help and support in the city and with the the university which I greatly appreciated”— Read more reviews of API here

Where? Berlin
When? Full academic year, Spring, Fall, Summer
Why? If you want to study in Germany, but feel your German is not yet ready, then look at this study abroad program in Germany. Offering a range of courses in English and help to improve your language skills while being based in one of the most exciting cities in Europe.
Click to find more about API here

5. Business Abroad with CEA—10.0 rating

“Because of this amazing experience I am able to graduate on time and have experience in a global business setting with people from dozens of cultures”— Read more reviews of CEA Study Abroad here

Where? Berlin
When? Full academic year, Spring, Fall, Summer
Why? Business is increasingly international, and this program ensures you have the skill set and networks to enter the international business world. With schools throughout Europe, studying abroad in Germany could just be a starter. Check out their summer abroad programs in Germany if you want your next school break to be your best yet.
Find out more about CEA

6. USAC Germany - Lüneburg—9.43 rating

“It was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had. Not only was the immersion of being in a foreign country awesome, but the ability to travel while having a home base no more than 4 hours away by plane, was incredible. I saw 9 countries while living in Lüneburg, and met countless friends that helped build memories that I will have for a lifetime. The program did a great job in getting us prepared for life abroad, but they also give you enough freedom to explore and learn things yourself.”— Read more reviews of USAC here

Where? Lüneburg
When? Full academic year, Spring, Fall, Summer
Why? Famous for helping students develop two years worth of German in one semester, if you want to brush up on language skills by studying abroad in Germany, then sign up for this program. The school is also well known for its European studies program ( and its cake and coffee cultural immersion activities!). Summer study abroad in Germany through USAC is the spicy mustard on top of the giant pretzel, too!
Click here for more about USAC

7. Study Arabic at the European Excellence Center—10.0 rating

“Immigration is a big topic in many countries these days. Germany has taken a different path than most other western industrialized countries, so it's quite interesting to see how the country is dealing with the big influx of refugees -- and how the refugees are handling such dramatic changes in their lives”—Read more reviews of Excellence Center here

Where? Halle
When? All year round.
Why? Although you may not think of Germany as the optimum place to study Arabic, by studying in Germany you will be immersed in a range of Arabic dialects, have plenty of contact with native speakers, and small, personal class sizes. Germany is at the forefront of immigration changes in Europe and this program will give you first hand knowledge of the situation.
For more about studying Arabic click here

8. Tufts in Tubingen—8.67 rating

“Tufts-in-Tubingen was incredible. Our program director made the entire experience very approachable and incredibly rewarding. We traveled to Berlin as part of the program, which was wonderful. It was a very close-knit group of kids, and we all experienced the German culture together... I give Tufts in Tubingen an 'A' for everything. It was amazing”—Read more reviews of Tufts in Germany here

Where? Tubingen
When? Academic year, summer
Why? Every year a small, selected group are enrolled in one of the oldest universities in German, and every year, that same group fall in love with study in Germany and the German culture.
For Tufts info click here

9. EU Studies, European Business and IR - Spring & Fall—9.33 rating

“The ESC staff was incredibly supportive and helped me and the other students adapt to a new place very well. I was very homesick at first because I miss my friends and family, but the ESC showed us what we could do in the area. I then took advantage of the unique aspects of Heidelberg. I especially love hiking up the mountain in order to overlook the castle and city. The ESC provides weekly excursions that really help to immerse one in the culture and learn a lot. The ESC is open to feedback and the staff is so friendly and approachable. They will help with anything one asks about, they even helped me to plan independent trips. This was a great opportunity that I would highly recommend to anyone.”—Read more reviews of ESC here

Where? Heidelberg
When? Spring and fall semester
Why?If you want to brush up on your German language skills, but your budget is tight, then consider a language course with the center for study abroad. There is no way to better to understand a countries culture than through its language.

[Browse ALL Study Abroad Programs in Germany]

You’re ready to study abroad in Germany!

Have the time of your life while studying in Germany with your new freundes. <3

Whether you have a summer, a semester, or the whole year, there are plenty of opportunities to study abroad in Germany, and learn the difference between brockwurst and knackwurst, perfect your German cases, and have the time of your life. Study abroad programs in Germany have much more to offer than just Christmas markets and Oktoberfest, and it will be while studying abroad in Germany that will gain you the deeper understanding of this German humor, history, and—of course—beer (#reinheitsgebot!). These skills will help you stand out when you are looking for a job, and you will still have time to have fun and explore the clubs of Berlin, the mountains of Bavaria, and the castles of the Black Forest.

Germany study abroad programs are fantastic, and whether you want to study in English or German, medical literature or architecture, there will be a German study abroad option for you. Prost!

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9 of the Best (Not Wurst!) Study Abroad Programs in Germany

Rachel Taylor